Remember the 2002 playoff run that ended with a loss to Detroit in 5 games in the Finals?  That was great, wasn't it?

The following year, the Canes went 22-43-11-6 for a league low 61 points.  Last in goals for, and 4th to last in goals against in the entire NHL.

2007 was not quite as bad, but they followed up a stanley cup win with an 11th place finish in the Eastern Conference, with only 88 points.

But this.. this is much worse.

At 27 games played, we are 1/3 of the way through the season.  And we've got 15 points.

I think we can safely avoid the worst record in NHL history though, the Washington Capitals in 1974 apparently went 5-67-5. 

But.. what can the Canes do?  Nothing, that I can see.  We signed a bunch of guys to contracts, and they're not living up to those contracts.    Rod Brind'Amour, the captain, is playing 7 minutes a game - and sucking.  Take one for the team, Rod!  RETIRE! 

Rutherford should put the whole team on waivers.  At least, anyone with a contract past this year.  Nobody would get claimed, but see if there's any interest, then maybe work out some traders where the Canes pay half the salary and get a young player in return.  I'd hold onto Staal and Ward, but that's about it.  Brind'amour, Whitney, Samsonov, Ruutu, Cole, etc.   It's time to start over.

I wonder if there will be a Crosby like character available in next year's draft....